Follow Us:

Biography

In a difficult economic climate Cherie Buckner-Webb chose to effect change in a new arena by running for public office in 2010. Her life-long influence in the community made possible an energetic campaign supported by a wide variety of talented and committed citizens. Elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 2010 and the Idaho Senate in 2012 and 2014 by a wide margin, Cherie’s message in the Statehouse reflects the same collaborative and visionary goals she emphasizes in her life and work. Cherie, Senate Assistant Minority Leader, serves on the Transportation, Education and State Affairs Standing Committees as well as the Capitol Services, Public Defense Reform, Legislative Council, Idaho Council on Indian Affairs and Justice Reinvestment interim committees.

A fifth-generation Idahoan, Cherie is a woman whose enthusiasm is as boundless as her talents. The principal of a successful coaching and consulting business, she is a respected voice in Idaho’s business community.

A proven leader, her experience spans across multiple disciplines, in a variety of roles in both corporate and small business enterprises. Additionally, Cherie is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, consultant, coach, and community leader.

In the spirit of giving back to her community, Cherie’s leadership also extends into the non-profit sector. Most notably, she is the founding board member of the Idaho Black History Museum in Boise. She has also won numerous awards for her public service, including 2013 Mother of the Year Award from American Mothers, Inc., the Joyce Stein Award from the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, the Women Making History Award from Boise State University, the Governor’s Award in the Arts – Excellence in the Arts from the State of Idaho, the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award from the Boise State MLK Living Legacy Committee, the Heritage Hall of Fame Award from the NAACP, and a Jefferson Award for Public Service from the American Institute for Public Service. She currently serves as Senate Minority Caucus Chair and as a State Director for Women in Government

Elected to the Idaho House in 2010, Cherie is Idaho’s first African-American legislator. She is well-known among her constituents and colleagues alike for her willingness to break down barriers. In a similar fashion, she has also held true to her convictions, fighting day-in and day-out on behalf of ordinary Idahoans. Endorsing Cherie’s candidacy in 2012, John Rueter of Conservation Voters for Idaho said, “Rep. Buckner-Webb is one of Idaho’s rare leaders who is respected across party lines while holding true to her deeply-held values. She has been a strong and consistent advocate for the environment and public health. We have endorsed her since her first run for the statehouse and are thrilled to support her run for the Idaho Senate.”

Cherie’s mantra is “leave a legacy,” and in four years of public office, she has done just that. Cherie continues to be a tireless advocate on behalf of Idaho’s public schools. In 2014, she was part of a bipartisan coalition that successfully bolstered teacher pay, established professional development and leadership initiatives, and increased operational funding for schools.

Buckner-Webb has also been focused on improving Idaho’s economy and adding good-paying jobs. Encouraging input from our business community, she recognizes that in order to attract business, the state must offer a well-trained pool of applicants. This means investing in public schools, higher education, and workforce training programs, and Cherie has been a tireless proponent of improving all three. In 2014, she also supported the Hire Idaho Act, a bill that would have given Idaho companies preference against out-of-state companies when bidding on state government contracts.

Cherie is also a leading voice in the fight against discrimination in Idaho. She is the co-sponsor of legislation to “Add the Words,” which aims to end legalized discrimination against Idahoans because of gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Cherie has also been a strong ally on issues concerning women’s rights, and continues to promote fair treatment for all.

Cherie attended Boise schools: Central, Washington, and Lowell Elementary Schools, North Junior High, Boise High School and Boise State University. She also attended University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, and graduated from George Fox University with a Bachelor of Arts, Management and Organizational Leadership degree. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Northwest Nazarene University. Cherie is married to the Reverend Henry Webb, has two adult sons, Sean and Phillip (Erin) Thompson and granddaughter she adores.